Revenue Development and Management School

The Revenue Development and Management School is a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques. It’s targeted towards agencies that rely wholly or in part on generating revenues, such as organizations associated with state or local parks, recreation, leisure services, military recreation and other nonprofits.

Who should attend

Agency supervisors, managers and directors who are responsible for generating revenues.

Registration, Fees, and Dates

Save the date!
March 8-13, 2026
March 7-12, 2027

Interested in attending RDMS in 2026? Add your name to the interest list to be contacted when registration opens!

Add your name here!

The School runs on a two-year schedule. Students complete classes one week for two consecutive years, with no additional work in between.

All dates are subject to change.

Questions? Call 304-243-4126 or Email ntc@oglebay.com

Location

The Revenue Development and Management School is hosted annually at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia in partnership with the National Training Center at Oglebay.

Partnership

Revenue Development and Management School is a partnership between the National Recreation & Park Association, the National Training Center at Oglebay, and North Carolina State University. 

Key Subjects Covered

First Year Curriculum  

  • Philosophy and Politics of Revenue Generation
  • Philosophy Impacts on Cost-Recovery and Pricing
  • Understanding the Big Financial Picture
  • How a Budget is Born
  • Speed Sessions
  • Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
  • Aligning Priorities and Performance
  • Insights Into Your Customers' Needs, Wants & Values
  • Creating Experiences That Reflect Today's Consumers
  • Evaluating the Customer Experience
  • Positioning and Marketing Your Organization and Service
  • Working with Vendors, Contractors, and Partners
  • Monitoring & Managing Your Budget
  • Spending and Saving Strategies to Make the Most of your Money
  • DEI Session
  • Know Your Numbers

Second Year Curriculum 

  • Strategic Planning
  • Marketing Plans
  • Business Plans
  • Budgeting Models, Special Funds & Fees
  • Financing
  • Using Data To Improve Your Service and Operations
  • Measuring Your Economic Impact
  • Year 2 Team Project
  • Revenue Generation:  Parks & Facilities
  • Revenue Generation:  Events & Sponsorships
  • Revenue Generation:  Recreation Programs
  • Fundraising, Grants, Other Revenue Opportunities
  • Project Management
  • Reflecting on Revenue School with a Real-Life Project

What do graduates say?

“Revenue Development and Management school provided a comprehensive overview of all aspects in the parks and recreation business which affect revenue. It provided great networking opportunities with other municipalities, and many valuable tools to take back to your own municipality and apply.” — Jillian Fleming, City of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

“It was the best week, I learned SO much! Now, not a week goes by that my boss doesn't say, I'm glad I sent you to the Revenue Development and Management School!” — Julie Calloway, CPRP, City of Boulder City, Nevada

“Best educational experience I have had in my professional career. I will be implementing many of the strategies I learned when I get back to my home community.” — Gary Johnson, Town of Smithfield Parks and Rec. Dept., Smithfield, North Carolina

“The Revenue Development and Management School provides the opportunity for professionals in the field to enhance their skills and share current (real-life) issues with each other in an effort to improve parks and recreation operations throughout the country.” — Carolyn Angiollillo, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Dept., Bradenton, Florida